5 Risks to Understand Before Refinishing Hardwood Floors Yourself
Many people think about refinishing hardwood floors on their own to save money, without realizing it could end up costing them much more in the long run. However, refinishing your hardwood floors yourself involves certain risks, and some of those can be pretty serious. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the risks you’ll take if you decide to refinish your hardwood floors yourself.
Using a Professional Sander when You’re Not a Professional
Refinishing hardwood floors with an electric hand sander is almost impossible. You will need to purchase or rent a professional floor sander. Skill and talent are required to use this type of sander. Without experience, the results can be pretty awful.
The power and weight of professional sanders require skill to operate, especially if you don’t want to damage your floors. They are so powerful that one mistake can make profound depressions in your floors that are completely irreparable.
If you try to do the job yourself, you’ll need to learn to use these tools very quickly — and it’s a process that professionals take years and years to master.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors Creates Dust
Sanding floors with DIY instruments can produce a tremendous amount of dust. Dust can be dangerous to inhale in high quantities. Professionals are knowledgeable in dust abatement techniques that you won’t likely master during a single amateur job. Elite Hardwood Flooring has a dustless system to avoid this issue altogether.
Sanding Capacity of Your Floors
Has your floor ever been sanded? Is it still thick enough for another blast before it gets too thin? Do you have engineered flooring? Engineered wood veneer thickness should be at least 0.15in to allow for quality sanding and uniformity of your floor. As professionals, we know how to check this tolerance.
Harmful Effects of Chemicals
Products often used to refinish hardwood floors contain harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs reduce the air quality in your home and have adverse short and long-term health effects. VOCs will evaporate in the air when the product is not yet dry and as it hardens. Professionals understand VOC safety protocols.
Polyurethane Varnishes
Along the same reasoning, you have to be very careful with chemicals used to refinish the flooring. You should still limit your exposure to the chemicals. Some VOCs commonly found in polyurethane finishes include xylene, ethylbenzene, and acetates. These volatile products stay suspended in the air during application and drying and cause health problems. Some of these compounds are harmful when they come in contact with the skin or get inhaled.
Risk of Fire
Use of these VOC products in closed or poorly ventilated spaces can produce a considerable build-up of vapors, to the point where any spark or open flames may cause a fire. In addition, the mix of chemicals and dust can generate heat and burn suddenly. Thus, even the tiniest spark can cause a sudden and severe risk. The risk is so significant that fire departments often give warnings to homeowners about these types of projects.
Trust a Floor Finishing Professional
Professionals are masters at refinishing hardwood flooring and can ensure an impeccable finish. They use fast-drying, virtually VOC-free finishing products. Plus, you get dust-free sanding. You can have this work done fast, and without hassle, so you don’t have to worry about a single thing.
If you’re a homeowner or business owner in the Mid-Atlantic region looking for quality hardwood flooring options, Elite Hardwood Flooring is here for you! We also provide refinishing services.
At Elite Hardwood Flooring, we have a stunning showroom locally owned and operated in Maryland. We work with you to understand your tastes and desires and help make your vision come true. So, schedule an appointment now to view our hardwoods and learn about our services.
